Guest Post with Michelle Norman
Injured racing pigeon Razzle grounded & helpless in Tara’s backyard
Another wonderful rescue story. On July 9th, Razzle was discovered by my neighbor Tara. Razzle self-rescued herself to Tara who noticed her sitting all day in the same place in her backyard. Concerned, we posted to
Palomacy’s Help Group on Facebook. We got quick advice and brought her indoors to safety.
Razzle was very hungry!
Rescued Razzle safe and comfortable in a rolled towel donut
Palomacy Care Coordinator Jill made a vet appointment for her and asked me to take Razzle to Medical Center for Birds (MCFB). Razzle had crash-landed with two broken legs (presumably from a violent collision) and, unable to stand, had only been able to sit and await her fate- rescue or death.
Razzle’s radiograph
At MCFB, Dr. Crystal Schoellmann initially set her broken legs and stabilized them in casts made from tape.
Razzle’s tape casts
After further consideration, Dr. Schoellmann decided for the best outcome, Razzle would need surgery to insert pins and fixators.
Waking up after surgery
We went back to the hospital one to two times a week so they could make adjustments as she healed. MCFB was and is amazingly talented and so compassionate. It would not have happened without them, so thank you so much MCFB.
Razzle was a very patient patient
Razzle was determined to get better and thrive. It blows my mind if you look at her X-ray with two broken legs to her standing now. Razzle has been fostered at my house while rehabbing.
Razzle standing tall on her healed legs!
Tooney, a King pigeon, also fostering in my bird room, took a liking to Razzle.
Handsome Tooney bathing
They have been courting through the cage bars while she healed completely. Then I saw them preening and I think feeding each other (kissing).
Flirting
Falling in love through the recovery cage bars
Once I let them out together, Razzle welcomed Tooney who is twice her size. So they are married and here’s another wonderful rescue story with a very happy ending.
Razzle & Tooney fell in love & married
Congratulations Razzle & Tooney
Editor’s Note: Thank you so very much to good Samaritan Tara who recognized a pigeon in need, to the Palomacy Help Group mods and members who helped guide Razzle’s rescue, to good neighbor and foster (and adopter and monthly donor) Michelle for taking on a very challenging case that required lots of follow up (and crazy gas money!), to our Care Coordinator Jill who holds all of us together throughout the whole process, to Dr. Schoellmann and everyone at Medical Center for Birds for their always amazing care and to you- our readers and donors and fellow rescuers who are helping to advance compassionate care for pigeons. They are not disposable!
Learn more about the cruelty of “pigeon racing” here. Learn what to do if you see a pigeon or dove in need of help here. This beautiful couple is available for adoption in the Northern California area. Please apply online to learn more.
